Assault-Weapon Ban in Denver Challenged by Justice Department

The US Justice Department sued the city of Denver, alleging the city’s ban on assault weapons is unconstitutional because it includes AR-15-style semiautomatic rifles that are owned by millions of Americans.

“Denver’s ban on commonly owned semi-automatic rifles directly violates the right to bear arms,” acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement. “This Department of Justice will vigorously defend the liberties of law-abiding citizens nationwide.”